The Sounders also lost Obafemi Martins to a groin injury during that wild game against Portland, so Sigi Schmid had send out a lineup with Lamar Neagle as the lone striker versus San Jose.

The win is a big one for the Earthquakes who now sit just one point behind FC Dallas and a playoff spot. S.J. are only two back of SKC and three behind L.A. and third place Portland.

Seattle and Vancouver are level on points with 29 at the top of the Western Conference, just seven points clear of seventh place San Jose.

3) Pirlo?

It has been reported as a done deal that the great Italian midfielder was set to sign with New York City FC. No deal is signed yet, but already there are reports that NYC bosses Jason Kreis and Claudio Reyna wanted a younger DP only to be overruled by their Manchester City Football Group superiors.

Pirlo looks set to join the MLS. (Getty Images)

There is much to consider here. A midfield headed by Pirlo and Frank Lampard does have a lot of age, not a great idea in the rough and tumble MLS. Then again, could NYCFC really turn its nose up at the bearded magician?

Stay tuned.

4) NYCFC and NYRB in Role Reversal

Should Pirlo join NYC he will be joining a team that has improved its circumstances considerably in recent weeks. And while NYC have been moving up the table cross river rival New York Red Bulls have been sliding down the standings.

The Red Bulls have a home game Wednesday night before a June 28th showdown at Yankee Stadium with their new neighbors. NY 1 has not won since they defeated NYC 2 at Red Bull Arena May 10.

RBNY drew with Dallas on May 15 and have since lost three straight.

Meanwhile the new kids on the block were getting the hang of this MLS thing, winning three on the trot, and playing a nice brand of soccer.

The pair are level on points with 14 and sit 6th and 7th in the East. The Bulls hold the advantage having played two fewer games, but at the moment NYCFC are clearly the team on the rise in this budding rivalry.